Fashion Shows...Fall 2009

I was recently invited to show my jewelry in two fashion shows here in the Biggest Little city that Could: Burlington, VT. The first one was the South End Art Hop: STRUT Fashion Show. the biggest event of this annual Art Hop. It was two live shows with 10 designers. I collaborated with Josie Furchgott-Sourdiffe..and exquisitely charming and talented frock designer. This is what we did.

New Commissions

Recently, I received commissions to design peices to celebrate, sooth or just enliven the recipients. Here are some recent designs - thanks for looking:


Sapphire and Amethyst Lariat necklace in sterling silver with matched leverback earrings:













Murano Glass handblown glass bead with freshwater and glass pearls, handwired onto vintage brass chain necklace with matched post earrings:












Genuine Sapphire Rondelles on tiny sterling silver ball chain...necklace:













Sterling Silver dipped turquoise, garnets and sterling silver ball chain, lariat necklace with matched garnet earrings:













Restringing Project: Venetian Style glass beads, vintage findings:















This is my favorite kind of work to do...I m inspired by people and what is meaningful to them, and finding designs that invigorate their spirit is very good work!

The Assemblages

The assemblage necklaces occupy a design area for me that is really satisfied by sounds and motion. They are long necklaces that I have been creating - by collection - for a long time. Now that I finally have all the pieces (OK, too many) I have started to build them. Here's what I use: To start, there has to be a brass skeleton key - these I find at a local antique architectural salvage store or sometimes at a local antique haunt. While there are a lot of similar keys to be found, often they are of a cheap quality and not at ornamental - so I am picky. I prefer the ones that are a little shorter (otherwise I think you risk looking more like a janitor than a maven of chic) and with good patina and heft; you know, that solid weight that only attributable to vintage stock. To these I like to add a piece of glass - either an interesting vintage glass or 'twinkle' button with some ornamentation, or a wired piece of Czech glass. Then from there I always add a locket, some other ornament and then step back and ask "What is his piece about?" From there I usually add another charm or design element to finish it, sometimes it is a piece of vintage flower, a carving, a vintage brass charm or sometimes just a gemstone and pearls...These are always hung on a long length of vintage brass or copper chain - at least 24 inches and often up to 30". Many of my chains are pieces that are thrifted, and chain is a huge part of the design. It has to add to the assemblage but not overpower it.

These assemblages are at their best when I make them for an individual who tells me what fills their skies and sings in their nights...then I get to work out what fits their style. That is the best part of designing jewelry - because it's so much more than frivolity, it's a representation of a moment, and a person, and a connection. Being a part of that - as an artist - is very humbling.

Putting on the lights...setting up shop

Hello...Thank for making room for me. I am just trying to get settled and get my bearings on what the whole idea of a blog is. but given my relative comfort with rambling I should get the hang of it pretty quickly.

So, about the jewelry:..I have been tinkering with and refashioning jewelry since I could wield a tool - or since I had teeth; my first real tools. I have always had a "box" of components that I could go to to re-assemble and rework what I had - you know - stuff from Great Aunties, and the cracks in the sidewalk, dug up in the garden, found at the bottom of Mom's purse. Shiny stuff. I am like a crow. But in all of this, there has been a style that emerged..and I don't have normal terms to explain it, so here's my best attempt. It has something to do with flow, and brightness and punctuation. I like a decoration that hangs or pops! I want something with a brightness and a clarity...and some history or meaning. I don't buy parts and pieces (buttons or beads...or metals) from anyone who doesn't have a story, or who I don't have a story with. I have to have a connection. it took me a little while to realize this..and I sadly had too many attempts at buying junk with no soul. it's not worth it. I don't like what I create, and If I would' use it to decorated myself...I don't want anyone else to have it either. Because jewelry...and decorating.. is about the story - our investment in what it is. We were it because it makes us nostalgic, or it has a personal element. I don't care how much it costs...but it has to come with a soul. That's worth almost any price.

Recently, in terms of Decoration this is what I am working on:

Earrings: Drapers (chain with Baubles or buttons or Czech flowers) - always with a sterling or Gold-filled wire on hand forged ear wires. I make each wire by hand - no jigs, just my hands and plies and force. They are unique and never worn before they are sold.

Rocket Rings: Lucite or Vintage-inspired plastic button wired into rings with galvanized steel, sterling silver, gold filed wire, copper, aluminum and some german wires in differnt, funky colors.

Antique Button rings: I find antique buttons all over the state...and in my personal collection inherited from my dear Great Auntie Doris. I wrap these beauties into rings, too. These are often from the 19th century and carry some good weight in terms of history.

Button Bangles; Bracelets made from Antique Button with long shanks. Threaded on Gold filled or Silver memory wire...elegant and bold.

Drapers: Long necklaces with unusual and classic accents.

Beaded Baubles; Traditional Glass, gemstones and pearl beadwork: Necklaces, earrings, bracelets and some rings.

My storefront is on Etsy at esightler@etsy.com. A wonderful website that sells handmade items from the handmade community of the world.

I am having a sale starting soon... if you are interested in receiving the information lease sen me your email address and I will add you to the distribution list...the only way to take part in the sale is to receive my emails...so sign up!